`POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Biological Officer

Cluster / Business Unit / Division Nuclear Science & Technology / Research
Section or Unit: Human Health
Classification: Band 5
Position Description Number: PD-2400
Job Family: Research
Work Contract Type: Research and Sciences
STEMM/NON-STEMM: STEMM
STEMM CATEGORY: Research & Sciences

POSITION PURPOSE
The Biological Officer will contribute to the Human Health theme by supporting and enhancing core
capabilities, whilst assisting research in line with ANSTO’s strategic goals. The primary objective of the
Biological Officer is to support and enable growth in the radiobiology capability. Working with senior
researchers, this position will also assist in the screening of novel pharmaceutical agents both in vitro and in
vivo, for neutron capture and theranostic applications. The Biological officer will provide rigorous technical
support to all research activities within Human Health, including routine processing of samples generated
both here and overseas to undertake analysis of samples as required. In addition to research activities, this
position will support the operation, maintenance and compliance of all biological laboratories associated
with Human Health and Biosciences.

ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists, engineers and clinicians
and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives,
builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia’s most significant
landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia
benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year.
Nuclear Science & Technology (NST) incorporates ANSTO’s research, innovation, landmark research
infrastructure and associated platforms and capabilities. NST conducts research and development in relation
to nuclear science and technology and connects people, transfers knowledge and provides nuclear-based
products and services for the benefit of Australia.
ANSTO undertakes human health research in collaboration with national and international research
organisations, hospitals and the users of ANSTO’s research infrastructure. The Human Health research theme
includes two programs: (i) Impact of radiation on living systems; (ii) Radiotherapy, theranostics and
radiotracers for improving health. The programs inform, complement and reinforce each other and draw
from ANSTO’s broad range of capabilities and intrinsic strengths.

ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Accountabilities
• Provide innovative and creative solutions for investigating and characterising biological systems and
samples by working with senior researchers to enhance current capabilities (e.g. enhanced
microscopy), develop new capabilities and design novel methods and techniques utilising the
resources available through NST and external collaborative platforms.

Biological Officer Page 1 of 6 PD-2400

Job Evaluated: Biological Officer Version 1
 • Utilise knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry or pharmacology for use in the
evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals and new neutron capture agents for diagnosis and therapy of
disease, establish and validate biological techniques, undertake analysis and interpretation of data.
• Undertake a range of technical support procedures related to in-vitro tissue and cell studies, tissue
sectioning, autoradiography, histology, in-vivo studies and other related procedures.
• Support research activities within multidisciplinary projects that align with the strategic goals of the
Human Health theme and provide specialised expertise for researchers, both from within ANSTO and
external, contributing to successful outcomes within budget, scope and timelines.
• Independently identify and undertake self-educational and training programs, as required, to satisfy
project needs.
• Responsibility to ensure all work undertaken meets strict safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage and conduct operational and maintenance activities within biological laboratories to
optimise their utilisation and ensure compliance with quality, regulatory and safety requirements.
• Provide supervision and training for staff, students and facility users where required.
• Assist with the preparation and publication of papers, reports, patents and abstracts.
• Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, SWMES, and other
regulatory required paperwork.
• Pro-actively encourage the sharing of knowledge and experiences and interact with staff of varying
backgrounds and experiences to establish productive working relationships.
• Undertake additional duties as required and during periods of leave of other staff.
• Fulfil OHSE responsibilities as specified in AG-2362 of the ANSTO OHSE system.

Decision Making
• The ANSTO values, organisational corporate plan, operational excellence program, the ANSTO Health
strategy, NST Research strategy and Human Health strategic plan provide the context for the
position.
• The position works within a framework of legislation, policies, professional standards, strategic and
resource parameters. Within this framework the position has full independence in determining how
to achieve objectives and recommend this to their line manager for endorsement.
• The position is fully accountable for the accuracy, integrity and quality of the content of advice
provided to other researchers both internal and external to ANSTO, ensuring that decisions are based
on sound evidence.
• Determine own work priorities, methods and approaches within the context of agreed work plans
and will consult with the line managers on issues that have an impact on the projects or associated
activities.
• The levels of authority delegated to this position are those approved and issued by the Chief
Executive Officer. All delegations will be in line with the ANSTO Delegation Manual AS-1682 (as
amended or replaced).

Biological Officer Page 2 of 6 PD-2400

Key Challenges
• Developing innovative biological methodologies, novel solutions for extending the scope of existing
infrastructure and establishing new capabilities.
• Keeping abreast of recent developments within biological sciences, ensuring continual
improvements and implementation of best practice and maintain leading edge capabilities in
molecular, cell biology and biochemistry techniques.
• Working independently on multiple project tasks to ensure all project milestones are met.
• Carry out work in a highly regulated environment and ensure adherence to all regulations.
• Establish productive working relationships with people of diverse academic backgrounds and varied
levels of experience.
• Working in a complex environment, achieving results within tight constraints on time, resources and
finances.
• Working within a complex Federally regulated environment involving agencies such as Public Service,
ARPANSA, OGTR, NHMRC etc.
• Working within a complex and unfamiliar environment overseas (during international field trips) that
are subject to additional regulations, while adhering to the Australian Federal regulations. This
challenge will require an agile mindset and the ability to troubleshoot.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Who
Internal
Manager
Work area team members
(Human Health, Biosciences,
Vivarium, CAS, ACNS,
Synchrotron, GATRI)
Stakeholders – internal
External
Stakeholders - external
Collaborators and Partners
Purpose
• Receive guidance, direction and performance requirements
consistent with the business plan and objectives.
• Provide expert, authoritative and evidence based advice
• Recommend and gain endorsement for plans and goals and other
initiatives.
• Provide regular updates on key tasks, and any identified issues
• Support team members and work collaboratively to contribute to
achieving research theme objectives.
• Provide expert advice and analysis on a full range of matters to
team members.
• Contribute to group decision making processes, planning and goals
• Determine work priorities
• Identify and resolve conflicting demands on resources
• Provide supervision, guidance, advice and support.
• Engage with internal safety and quality stakeholder teams to ensure
compliance with safety and quality systems.
• Provide supervision, guidance, advice and support
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance
• Ensure effective communication, for project planning and co-
ordination of activities
• Report on work outcomes, outputs and results

POSITION DIMENSIONS

Staff Data
Reporting Line Reports to the Research Program Manager – Human Health
Direct Reports Nil
Indirect Reports Nil

Biological Officer Page 3 of 6 PD-2400

 Financial Data (2023/2024)
Revenue / Grants N/A
Operating Budget N/A
Staffing Budget N/A
Capital Budget N/A
Assets N/A

Special / Physical Requirements

Location: Working in different areas of ANSTO as needed including radiation
areas under tightly regulated conditions;
Travel: May be required travel to ANSTO sites from time to time
Operational needs (fieldtrips and conferences) may require temporary
assignments at collaborative/partner facilities within Australia and
internationally.
Physical: Office and laboratory based physical requirements (sitting, standing,
minimal manual handling, movement around office and site, extended
hours working at computer)

Wearing personal protective equipment for the handling of hazardous

and/or radioactive material to undertake sterile preparation of
materials in a clean environment.
Radiation areas: May be required to work in radiation areas under tightly regulated
conditions
Perform duties in an area where radioactive materials are handled
under tightly controlled safety conditions
Perform duties with and in an area where hazardous chemicals or
materials are handled under tightly controlled safety conditions
Hours: Willingness to work extended and varied hours based on operational
requirements
Clearance requirements: Satisfy ANSTO Security and Medical clearance requirements

Workplace Health & Safety

Specific role/s as specified in All Workers
AG-2362 of the ANSTO WHS Other specialised roles identified within the guideline a position
Management System holder may be allocated to in the course of their duties

ORGANISATIONAL CHART
Refer to published Organisational Chart.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Pharmacology, or equivalent experience in a research setting
coupled with extensive experience in the biological sciences.
2. Demonstrated experience in in vitro analytical and in vivo biological techniques. Analytical chemistry
and/or data science experience is desirable.
3. Extensive and demonstrated experience in cell culture techniques including maintenance of cell
cultures and cell stocks, preparing cells for animal model development and membrane preparations,
immunocytochemistry techniques, development of new cell-based assays and demonstrated
experience in microscopy, flow cytometry and PCR techniques.

Biological Officer Page 4 of 6 PD-2400

 4. Demonstrated experience in working with rodents including biodistribution and associated data
analysis.
5. Ability to interpret data and communicate research results.
6. Experience in managing the operations of a laboratory facility, including the operation/maintenance
of equipment, knowledge of quality assurance programs and risk management procedures.
7. Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills and communicates well with people at various levels
and with varying expertise within and external to the organisation.
8. Ability to supervise and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork while working co-operatively with
others as part of a team.
9. Highly organised and meticulous approach to work, including concise record keeping of work
performed and results.
10. Demonstrated ability for self-motivated education and training.

VERIFICATION
This section verifies that the line manager and appropriate senior manager/executive confirm that this is a
true and accurate reflection of the position.
Line Manager Delegated Authority
Name: TBA Name: Ryan Middleton
Title: Research Program Manager Title: Acting Theme Leader, Human Health
Signature: Signature:
Date: Date:

Biological Officer Page 5 of 6 PD-2400

Appendix 1

ANSTO Job Families

Accounting & Finance
Administration
Communications & Marketing
Compliance & Regulation
Engineering and Technical
Human Resources
ICT & Digital Solutions
Information & Knowledge
Management
Legal
Manufacturing
Monitoring & Audit
Operations
Organisational Leadership
Project & Program
Research
Science
Security & Intelligence
Senior Executive
Service Delivery
Strategic Policy
Trades & Labour

Biological Officer Page 6 of 6 PD-2400